The goal is to develop a new type of toilet that meets the following criteria:
• Is entirely stand-alone and self-contained
• Provides practical but efficient sanitation, removing bodily wastes and swiftly disposing of them
• Can be used in single residences but is also potentially applicable to commercial facilities
• Works without incoming or outgoing water or water piping, sewer connections, or electrical or gas power sources
“Water is a very big concern for the [Bill & Melinda Gates] Foundation,” says Klaus Reichardt, Founder and CEO of Waterless Co., Inc. “Much of their focus is on improving living conditions for the nearly two billion people who experience ongoing water shortages or poor water quality.”

Although toilets use far less water today than those manufactured a decade or more ago, they still consume huge volumes of water. In fact, in most facilities, half of all the water consumed by the property is used just for flushing toilets and urinals.

No-water urinal systems, on the other hand, were introduced to the U.S. more than 20 years ago by Waterless Co., but actually date back to the late 1800s. Wilhelm Beetz, an Austrian engineer, is given credit for developing the first waterless urinals, which were installed in Switzerland.
Letters of inquiry for a new toilet design are being accepted online until Thursday, May 10, 2012. A full description of the topic and application instructions is available at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/reinvent-the-toilet-loi.

*Letters of inquiry are usually the first step in securing funding from a major foundation. Typically, they identify a need or a problem, explore potential solutions, and give details regarding the innovator’s qualifications for implementing the solution.

Available for Presentations on Water Conservation:
Klaus Reichardt is founder and CEO of Waterless®, Co., Inc., manufacturer of No-Flush Urinals, Vista, Calif. Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal to establish a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water conservation in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter, discussing water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com.

About Waterless
Waterless® Co. Inc. has established a reputation as an innovative manufacturer, serving the building, plumbing, and janitorial industry for over 20 years. Based in Vista, Ca, Waterless Co. offers quality, innovation and expertise in water conservation and high efficiency products for building owners with a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning liquids, and cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com